Instructions To Install Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings is a great way to protect your patio, sundeck or pool area against sun or rain so you can use it much more often. They are of course much cheaper to install than a permanent cover as well. It’s just amazing how much you can extend your usable space by covering an area with a retractable awning. While some people might choose to rather have this installed by a handyman or even a carpenter, it’s not impossible to do it yourself. For the do-it-yourself guy, here’s some basic instructions.
Get to know the contents:
To start off, get everything out of the box and lay them neatly on a flat surface. Study every part and make sure you know where each item should go. Read the enclosed instruction manual and make sure you understand all the instructions!
Get the height right.
Decide the height you would like the retractable awning to be. In order to do this, you have to take into account awning’s pitch and the height that the front rail will be. Then add the amount of the front rail and the amount of the pitch together to get to the correct height for the mounting.
Lines are important:
Next you have to get a piece of chalk and draw a horizontal line across the side of the wall where the awning has to be installed. Ensure the line is straight by utilizing a carpenter’s level and a measuring tape.
Locate the studs:
This is quite important guys. You can’t just mount the awning to any old spot on the wall. If you don’t mount it to something solid such as a stud, header or joist, the first storm will carry away all your handiwork and substantially harm your faith in your own abilities as a DIY expert. So rather spend some time on the inside of the wall to find the location of the studs. Then use your measuring tape to measure the distance from the nearest window or door. Repeat the same exercise on the wall’s exterior. You will probably have to drill a number of locator holes first to make sure that you’ve actually located the exact center of the stud. Then use the chalk and draw a vertical line downwards from that point for about ten to fifteen centimeters.
Mount your brackets:
Your next step is to place the brackets that you will use to fasten the awning exactly on the vertical line you drew in the previous step. Use the chalk to mark the precise location of the mounting holes. In the kit you will find bolts which you should now use to mount the brackets.
The hood:
Now it’s time to install the actual awning. This part differs a bit from manufacturer to manufacturer, but you basically have to lift the awning and fasten the awning bar to the brackets, making sure it fits snugly.
Adjust the pitch
Your final step is to adjust the pitch of the awning to your individual preference. Keep in mind that should it be too much, people are going to bump their heads against the rail and should it be too little, water will not be able to drain properly and will collect on top of the material.
Retractable awnings is such an affordable and practical way to extend your living space and make it usable for a larger part of the year, that it’s no wonder they are so popular.
When you want to increase the beauty and functionality of your patio or deck, retractable awnings Lincoln location provides a wide range of options. Retractable awnings add usable outdoor living space quickly and easily.
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